I would love to have my own potted lemon tree. Beautiful European gardens always have rows of lemon or other citrus. And it’s such a welcome sight to see the bright fruits in the middle of winter. Although I’ve noticed some variety that bear fruit all year.
According to Sunset’s March 2010 issue, one of the most popular potted citrus tree of the moment is the “Eureka”. Photo from Four Seasons Growers.
Four Seasons Grower recommend this type of plastic terra cotta color pot. As a black container would end up heating the root.
And here are more good advice from them for successful container growing of citrus:
1. Select the right size pot with adequate drainage holes.
2. Use a soil mix that is lightweight and drains well. If the mix is dense or contains peat moss, amend your soil mix with 1/4-1/3 volume of 1″ redwood shavings.
3. Develop a watering schedule so the tree stays on the dry side of moist.
4. Provide 8 or more hours of direct sunlight or grow light per day.
5. Plant the tree so the root collar is above the soil line and the top of the root crown is barely below the soil. Do not cover the trunk with soil at all.
When young, the fruit of the Eureka lemon is green but streaked with gold. It then matures to pale yellow and has pink flesh. This sounds like a cross between a pink grapefruit and lemons.
